Hey there hot chocolate lovers! The weather is slowly creeping down, and who wouldn’t love a delicious hot drink? Well, we have the beverages for you, introducing our Pure Hot Chocolate and Pure White Hot Chocolate.
Hot Chocolate History
Now who and where was this amazing drink created? Well, it’s a pretty interesting story! Believe it or not, hot chocolate dates all the way back to the Mayans and Aztecs who enjoyed a spicy version of the drink. It wasn’t until the 16th century that the sweetened hot chocolate that we know and love today became popular in Europe.
Fast forward to the 19th century, and hot chocolate started being mass-produced, making it more accessible to everyone. And let’s not forget about the invention of instant hot chocolate in the 20th century, making it even easier to enjoy this delicious treat. Today, hot chocolate is enjoyed all over the world, especially during the colder months.
Pure Hot Chocolate
This rich and indulgent beverage is made with just a few simple ingredients: high-quality dark chocolate (85%), milk, and a touch of vanilla and sugar. The key to a truly amazing pure hot chocolate is using the best chocolate you can find. The more chocolate added, the deeper the taste. We used our love for Trader Joe’s to perfect this drink. But you can use any brand you like. Our dark chocolate contains 85% cacoa. Be sure to look for a brand that is rich and flavorful, as this will make all the difference in your final drink.
How To
To make Pure Hot Chocolate, start by heating a little milk (about 2-3 tablespoons) in a saucepan over low heat, with the chocolate, sugar and vanilla. Low heat prevents: burning, more control, limits cocoa butter separation and creates the perfect final mix. Once the mix comes together, add the rest of the milk in batches or sections. Stir or whisk until it becomes smooth, and frothy. Let it simmer at most (not boil!) for a few minutes to really let those flavors meld together, then pour it into your favorite mug and enjoy! This is a recipe for one. We want you to take the time, to slow what you’re doing and enjoy the Pure Hot Chocolate.
Now it’s your turn…
Pure Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 25 g granulated sugar
- 18 g 85% dark chocolate
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 pinch cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan on low heat, add the dark chocolate, sugar, vanilla and 2 tablespoons of milk.
- Whisk ingredients together until smoothed with no small chunks.
- Add the rest of the milk in four parts, while whisking in-between. Avoid cocoa butter from settling on top.
- Continue to whisk rapidly until desired temperature is reached.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Let’s Try an Alternative
Pure White Hot Chocolate
This delightful variation is a bit different from our classic above. Instead of dark chocolate, Pure White Hot Chocolate is made with premium 30% white chocolate and milk. That’s it! Perfect name right?! The result is a creamy, dreamy drink that is perfect for those who prefer something a little less intense than traditional hot chocolate, but still contains the sweetness one desires. Because of the type of white chocolate we used within this recipe, we also will not need any vanilla, but a pinch of cinnamon and/or mini marshmallows wouldn’t hurt.
How To
Unlike Pure Hot Chocolate, there’s less instructions on how to make this delicious beverage. Add the white chocolate, with a little milk, and stir until everything is smoothed. Add the rest of the milk, and whisk, while on medium-low heat, until warm enough to your liking. That’s it! Pretty simple right. Now top with marshmallows or whipped cream and bask in the amazing taste of Pure White Hot Chocolate.
Pure White Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 45 g white chocolate 30%
- 1 cup milk any kind
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan, add the white chocolate and 3-4 tablespoons of milk. On low heat, whisk everything today to melt evenly.
- After mixture has melted, add rest of milk. Increase temperature to medium-low, and continue to whisk fast, until temperature reaches its desire peak,
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
What We Know
We know now of two fantastic ways to create high-quality hot chocolate, as well as the essential steps for doing so effectively. Now it’s your chance to explore and build upon your newfound knowledge to create an even more exceptional hot beverage. Chocolate offers plenty of opportunities for delicious experimentation. Whether it’s through the addition of unique spices, experimenting with different types of milk or cream, using cocoa powder, or even exploring alternative sweeteners, the world of hot chocolate is ripe for exploration. Consider incorporating toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of indulgence, as we aforementioned. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and create your signature hot chocolate recipe that will delight your taste buds and those of your friends and family.
Now try our Quick Bread Loaf the next time you want to have your next Hot Chocolate!